Akagi's annual salary was $122,928. As acting chief, Smith made $107,016. He will start his new position at $109,158.40.

“The Oak Ridge Police Department is an effective team built with good people who care about our community,” Smith said. “We want Oak Ridge to be a safe place for people to live, work and visit. I’m proud to be a member of the team.”

Smith has been with the department since 2012. He served as a lieutenant for two years before being promoted to captain in 2014 and then deputy chief in 2015.

Prior to his work with Oak Ridge police, Smith was commander of police operations for the Tennessee Valley Authority for 15 years. He began his law enforcement career with the Sevierville Police Department in 1979, serving first as a dispatcher, before joining the police force.

“Chief Smith is a third-generation law enforcement officer and his loyalty and integrity to the field is recognized throughout Tennessee,” City Manager Mark Watson said.

“His dedication to the City of Oak Ridge and the citizens came out repeatedly during a series of interviews with local clergy, Oak Ridge police officers and city department directors. I believe the community will benefit from Chief Smith’s desire to coach our officers to an even higher level of professionalism."